plastic bag ban

A new bill introduced at the general assembly could ban the use of plastic bags across the state. It’s the latest attempt to ban plastic bags in the last several years.

The bill would gradually phase out the use of plastic bags over the course of two years at retail stores such as grocery, and convenience stores. Over the past three years similar bills have some received public support, but failed in the General Assembly.

Backers of a plastic bag ban have been busy collecting petition signatures this summer. Environment Rhode Island says it has amassed ten thousand signatures urging the General Assembly to take up the issue once again.

Rhode Island would have become the first state in the country to ban plastic grocery bags under a bill that died in the last legislative session. Channing Jones of Environment Rhode Island says they are not deterred by their out-of-the-gate loss.